Tag: Mexico

New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

A New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi obscurus) from one of the remaining populations within the United States. These are small rattlesnakes adapted for high-elevation, higher-humidity environments than are typical in the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. This is one of only two rattlesnake species in the country that are listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Rattlesnake Solutions is fortunate to be among the organizations and agencies involved with a recovery effort to try to bolster the remaining population within Arizona.

Black Tailed Horned Viper in Mexico

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

A cool little viper with horn-like scales above the eyes. That’s a common thing with arboreal vipers in Central and South America, but vipers with “horns” are relatively few in comparison. They’re closely related to other montane vipers in the area that have similar structures, but live more familiar lives in steep, heavily vegetated forests.

A few hours of careful scouring of perfect habitat turned up none of these. Then after having more or less given up, I decided to flip some rocks near the cars while we waited for the crew to reassemble … and poof: the target. It’s fun when that happens.

Sonoyta Mud Turtle

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

The Sonoyta Mud Turtle is only found in small parts of Sonora, Mexico, and a single small pond in extreme southern Arizona – a stone’s throw from the border. Here is one of several seen on an afternoon visit to this pool, swimming around just under the surface, going after insects and poking through clumps of algae.

Grageda-García, M., & Bogan, M. T. (2025). Conservation status of the Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) and comparison of estimated abundances in different historical sites along the Sonoyta River in Sonora, Mexico. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 24(2), 155–166. https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1588.1